An Ode To

A reminder that we must pay homage and celebrate the beauty of our culture. 'An Ode To' is a series that recognises the presence of black culture throughout British history. It seeks to remind us of where and who we have come from, acknowledging those who paved the way for the birth of black culture today. The series focuses on political discourse of the time and transforms these stories into visual narratives using place, fashion, and style.

Here is one of the chapters, "An Ode To The Grove".
Ladbroke Grove has been a social refuge for Londoners over the years. Many immigrants first settled here. 'An Ode To The Grove' seeks to pay homage to one of Notting Hill's biggest events of the year- Notting Hill carnival. From as early as the 60s, the black community flooded the streets with the sweet sounds of calypso, smells of the jerk pan and presence of mas. The streets oozed in culture and colour. An opportunity for everyone to show off their best hair and clothing whilst reminiscing in the traditions of Caribbean culture

Pay attention to the detail in the delicate curls of her Afro-Caribbean hair- styled to an inch of it's life. Sporting slicked baby hair's was a key aesthetic of 90s black-hair culture. And even today, the iconic style is seen globally- it is even being gentrified by other cultures too. Not only does her curl circle, but the "babygirl" hoop dangles from her ear as another time-marker. It's 90s youth, ghetto and fabulous.